“I Was My Own First Patient,” by Mila McManus MD

A decade ago, I lived reasonably unaware of the fact that food could have much of anything to do with the status of my health. After all, nutrition was not really taught in medical school and like so many, food was closely associated with every aspect of my social and family life. So suffice it to say, I was very amazed as I began my wellness journey, to learn that you really are what you eat! In fact, within the very first week of editing my dietary choices, I noticed immediate and dramatic improvement in my mood, energy, allergies, eczema, acne, and gastrointestinal issues. It was clear to me right away that I was on to something; something that now seems so obvious and logical, but I was brainwashed in medical school to think that all symptoms and diseases were due to pharmaceutical drug deficiencies.Repeatedly seeing this set of events unfold for thousands of patients time after time has only further solidified my strong belief in the value of good nutrition. Our views about nutrition here at The Woodlands Institute for Health and Wellness differ from the Dietary Guidelines recommended by the American Dietetic Association. Our recommendations are based on a very different food pyramid. If you think eating a low fat, low cholesterol diet is the cure-all, you have been misinformed. I can say without a doubt that it pays off exponentially when we eliminate problematic foods, add in variety, and eat nutrient dense foods. If you have not ever considered editing your diet for greater health, let me offer a couple good places to start and a few of my own observations:
• The biggest thieves to our health in our food are wheat/gluten, sugar and the vast array of chemical additives to our food. Start eliminating these. The results are amazing.
• I know that changing your diet can be a difficult road. I encourage you to have faith in the process and allow your body to cleanse and heal. The results will motivate you to continue down the road to eating better for life.
• Knowing that we are all human, we will occasionally deviate or default to our old habits. For most of my patients, the severity of the resulting symptoms will determine a person’s compliance. You don’t have to be deprived; you just need to be prepared. Anticipating and planning are the keys to sticking with healthy eating.
Not sure where to start or how to start making changes? Please come see us! Let us be your partner in health. Be wise, eat well! By Mila McManus MD, founder of The Woodlands Institute for Health & Wellness